Fallen Rebels

Grampy-Wan (Terry Cannon) was a nine year veteran of the Rebel Legion, costuming as a Jedi, a Pilot, an RFT, and he was seen every year of Phoenix Comic Con playing poker for charity in his favorite costume, Obi-Wan Kenobi. A polio survivor, he never let his disabilities get in the way of doing good, especially for charities involving sick children. He was a founding member of Mos Eisley Base, as well as a member of the RLSC, the KJO, and RAID. He left us for the galaxy far, far away on October 4, 2016 at the age of 62.

Justin “Phantom6” Manning joined with the Force at the age of 43 on Sunday morning, January 17th after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was a member of the Rebel Legion since 2003, and a two-term BCO of Alderaan Base. Though his battle required him to move to inactive status, he was never far away, and often attended events, his camera in hand. Always at his best when he was making sure others were having a great time, he went out of his way to ensure everyone felt welcome. Justin made friends wherever he went, and will be missed by everyone in the New England costuming community.

Taggart battled diabetes and several other health issues but was on the mend when he died suddenly of complications.

Graduated from Waukesha South High School in 1992 and from UW-Whitewater with an associate degree in computer graphics. Tag worked for Waukesha Head Start Program with pre-school children for two years. He worked most of his adult life in restaurant management. He was a member of the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costuming group that does charitable appearances for children.

Jeroen ”JeroenM” Michiels – Benelux Base July 19, 1992 – May 6 2015 Jeroen was a passionate and motivated member and BMO of our base. We will miss him very much.Jeroen, you stay our Jeroen, our Luke Skywalker, our friend. We will never forget you. You stay one of us. Thank you for everything… Thank you buddy… Be one with the Force!

Craig was a highly valued and respected member of Tatooine since joining 2009, in his heart, he was a Rebel and enjoyed crafting and building Star Wars costumes and props and always willing to help anyone out even if he had never built it. Craig enjoyed traveling, well before joining RL, having travelled the east coast of Australia and working for many years on the Ski fields of Australia. He was a Baker and at all the major convention, he always brought a cake with some type of Star Wars decoration. Your friends and members of the Star Wars costuming community will miss you buddy!

It is with a heavy heart that we need to add one more to our Fallen Rebel page. Mike “ukchewbacca” Bailey of Elstree Base, passed away this past weekend.

Michael joined Elstree in 2010 with his Chewbacca costume and I had the pleasure of meeting him at Legoland 2011. He was a lovely, friendly man with no airs and graces and a pleasure to troop with. He was certainly a hit with the crowds who flocked to see him in his Chewie. He was a well-liked and respected member of the costuming community in the UK and he will be sorely missed. – Suzi Stelling (suzijedi), Base Commanding Officer

Ryan was an active member in both the Rebel and 501st Legions. His heart always focused on charity, even when tough times affected his own life. He was a brilliantly talented fiddler, as well as Doctor Who costumer. Ryan not only physically resembled the Tenth Doctor, but his heart and soul mimicked the time traveler’s own. Like the Doctor, Ryan touched the lives of hundreds, if only even for a second. He leaves behind a community who will always feel the absence of the bright spark with which he lived his life.

Donations can be made in Ryan’s honor to several charities, including the ASPCA and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“He will always be remembered as someone who could spontaneously make a room fill with happiness.” – RL member George Starkey